The carriage journey had been eventful, though with Hu Tao's help, every encounter became more thrilling than perilous.
When they finally reached the Chasm's perimeter, their progress was abruptly halted.
"Halt! No unauthorized personnel beyond this point," a Millelith guard declared, eyeing their carriage suspiciously.
"Please turn back immediately." He clearly mistook them for merchants trying to conduct business in the restricted zone.
"We have an authorization letter from Lady Ningguang," Orion explained, stepping forward with the official document.
In such a dangerous area, proper credentials were absolutely mandatory for entry.
The guard's stern expression faltered as he accepted the letter. His eyes darted across the distinctive handwriting and official seal.
"This... this bears Lady Ningguang's authentic signature," he admitted reluctantly.
"Very well, you may proceed. But exercise extreme caution."
This warning wasn't given lightly. The Millelith had seen countless expeditions - from both the Adventurers' Guild and even the formidable Fatui - vanish without trace in the Chasm's depths.
Their duty permitted only warnings, not physically restraining determined fools from their fate.
"Let's move," Orion signaled to the coachman as they continued on foot.
The tunnel's exit revealed a landscape transformed - no longer Liyue's vibrant scenery, but a jagged, lifeless expanse of fissures and crumbling stone.
The Chasm's oppressive aura was immediate and overwhelming.
"Eww~ So depressing!"
Hu Tao materialized beside Orion, wrinkling her nose at the desolation. Even for someone who dealt with death daily, the place felt unnaturally barren.
"Seems your business prospects here might be... limited,"
Orion remarked carefully, surveying the handful of workers moving about the sparse outpost.
He hoped this might temper her enthusiasm for morbid marketing schemes in such dangerous territory.
"Tsk tsk~ Don't be so sure!"
Hu Tao remained undeterred, tapping her chin thoughtfully.
"Where there's Millelith and Fatui operating in hazardous conditions, accidents are inevitable! We're just... preparing comprehensive aftercare solutions!"
Orion sighed. Hu Tao's sales pitch sounded disturbingly like an insurance agent capitalizing on impending disaster.
Before he could respond, their attention was drawn to Foreman Mo Ning, who visibly paled upon recognizing Hu Tao.
"Director Hu?! We've absolutely no need for funeral services here!" he blurted out instinctively, displaying the typical Liyue citizen's reflex when encountering the notorious funeral consultant.
"Ah, but consider the possibilities!" Hu Tao pounced on the opportunity, eyes gleaming.
"Your brave Millelith clearing this wasteland - shouldn't they have proper arrangements? Think of it as... risk management with guaranteed satisfaction!"
"Enough," Orion interjected gently, placing a hand on her shoulder before addressing the foreman.
"Our apologies. We're actually here under Lady Ningguang's orders for an investigation."
"Think of it as... comprehensive aftercare services!" Hu Tao continued enthusiastically, completely ignoring Mo Ning's discomfort.
"With our Wangsheng Funeral Parlor packages, you won't need to worry about any messy aftermath! Isn't that a win-win situation?"
Seeing her persistence, Orion gently placed a hand on Hu Tao's shoulder.
"Hu Tao," he said softly, giving her a meaningful look. Now wasn't the time for her usual sales pitch.
"Oh! Right, right~" Hu Tao stuck out her tongue playfully and stepped aside, allowing Orion to take over the conversation.
"My apologies, Foreman Mo Ning," Orion said courteously.
"We're actually here under Lady Ningguang's orders to conduct an investigation. Director Hu was just... joking earlier."
He presented their authorization documents again.
"Ningguang's orders?" Mo Ning examined the papers carefully, his frown deepening.
"If this is truly the Tianquan's will, then I won't stop you. But at least allow me to arrange a Millelith escort for your protection. The Chasm is extremely dangerous, after all."
Hu Tao waved her hands dismissively. "No need for that! Where we're going is... well, deeper inside the Chasm."
"The interior?!" Mo Ning's face paled visibly.
"You can't be serious! The perimeter is dangerous enough! And you're bringing..."
His eyes darted to Orion, clearly noting his lack of Vision.
"Even with Director Hu's capabilities, this is practically suicide!"
Mo Ning rubbed his temples in frustration.
"I must advise against this. If something happens to Lady Ningguang's associates, how could I possibly explain...?" His voice trailed off as he imagined the consequences.
The foreman's concern was understandable. The Chasm's reclamation was still in its early stages, with countless unknown dangers lurking below.
Without proper maps or guides, their chances of success were slim at best - and relying on blind luck would be even more reckless.
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Sorry for the short chapter....